Hola! Como estas?
In this last Unit Lesson, we will explore some Hispanic-speaking cultures through one of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries.  For this lesson, you will need speakers or headphones.
Let’s begin! Vamos a comenzar!

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a South American country occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Chilean Culture & Society Religion

• Most Chileans are Roman Catholics.
• The religion has played a significant role in defining social and political life.
• Religious instruction in public schools is almost exclusively Roman Catholic.
• Abortion is illegal due to the influence of the Church.
• Divorce was illegal until 2004.
• Most national holidays are religious.
• Chileans of more mature generations still celebrate their saint's day as much as they do their birthday.

The Role of the Family

The family occupies a central role in Chilean life.

• Extended families are very close and frequently congregate for significant occasions and celebrations.
• Family and business are intertwined to the extent that nepotism is seen as a positive concept.
• Many small firms will be 100% family-run.

Class Structure

• Chilean history has had a significant influence on modern-day class lines.
• Generally speaking, class is drawn along financial lines.
• Today's wealthiest class are more or less the same land-owning families as before.
• A middle class has developed of late and now accounts for nearly half the population.
• Classes are fluid, and moving upwards or downwards is possible, depending on your salary.

Social Profiling

• Due to class structures, it is commonplace for people to try to deduce another's position in the social rank.
• This is primarily done through external appearances, i.e., dress, etc.
• As a result, they present themselves in the best possible way.